The pressure waveform of coronary sinus in human hearts.

BACKGROUND The pressure waveform of coronary sinus in human hearts has never been well described. Retrograde cardioplegia perfusion has become a popular method of myocardial protection in recent years, and identification of the pressure waveform of the coronary sinus might help intubate the coronary sinus in retrograde cardioplegia perfusion by differentiating it from that of the right atrium. The purpose of this study is to identify the pressure waveform of the coronary sinus. METHODS We inserted a catheter into the coronary sinus under direct vision via a right atriotomy after completion of open heart operation in eight patients. The pressure waveforms of coronary sinus and central venous line, as well as the electrocardiogram (EKG), were recorded simultaneously after the patient was stable and weaned from the cardiopulmonary bypass. The recorded pressure waveforms of coronary sinus and central venous line were compared. RESULTS The pressure waveform of coronary sinus was found to have three peaks, more prominent than those of the central venous line waveform. CONCLUSIONS The pressure waveform of coronary sinus could be distinguished from that of the central venous line. The difference might help coronary sinus cannulation for retrograde cardioplegia perfusion.